Riley accepts the hug gratefully before she passes Lou a cup of her amazing hot chocolate. The thought brings a smile to her face and she chuckles. "You're right. Val's experimenting with every pickle flavour and Les is in absolute heaven."

Sipping from her own cup, she turns and leans against the kitchen counter. "I probably shouldn't try another searching spell for another few hours, but I'd like to do one for Les. Without Val, my magic isn't as strong. Maybe I'll try to rest and try again? Does that sound alright?" She looks to Lou, more for someone else's permission to say it's OK for Riley to rest, because her own guilt will keep her awake.